SDS

Safety Data Sheet

Portland Cement

Version 1.1

Page 11 of 11

Additional information regarding crystalline silica:

The major concern is silicosis, caused by the inhalation and retention if respirable

(extremely small) crystalline silica dust particles. Silicosis can exist in several forms.

Chronic or ordinary silicosis (often referred to as simple silicosis) is the most common

form of silicosis, and can occur after many years of exposure to relatively low

concentrations of airborne respirable crystalline silica dust. Complicated silicosis or

progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) may be associated with decreased lung function and

may be disabling. Advanced complicated silicosis or PMF may lead to death. Advanced

complicated silicosis or PMF can result in heart disease secondary to the lung disease.

Acute silicosis can occur with exposures to very high concentrations or respirable

crystalline silica over a very brief period, sometimes as short as a few months. The

symptoms of acute silicosis include progressive shortness of breath, fever, cough and

weight loss. Acute silicosis can be fatal.

IARC: The overall IARC evaluation was that “crystalline silica inhaled in the form of quartz

or cristobalite form occupational sources is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).” The IARC

evaluation noted that “carcinogenicity was not detected in all industrial circumstances

studies. Carcinogenicity may be dependent on the inherent characteristics of the

crystalline silica or on external factors affecting its biological activity or distribution of its

polymorphs.”

NTP: The National Toxicology Program (NTP), in its thirteenth Annual Report on

Carcinogens, classified “silica, crystalline (respirable)” as a known human carcinogen.

OSHA: crystalline silica (quartz) is not regulated as a human carcinogen by the

occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Disclaimer: We believe the statements, technical information and recommendations

contained herein are reliable, but they are given without warranty or guarantee of any

kind. The information contained in this document applies to this specific material as

supplied. It may not be valid for this material if it is used in combination with any other

materials. It is the user’s responsibility to satisfy oneself as to the suitability and

completeness of this information for the user’s own particular use.